Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are reportedly set to clash in one of the biggest fights in British boxing history, with the bout expected to kick off Riyadh Season this October.
The mega-fight, which would likely offer both fighters the biggest payday of their careers, appears to be enough to tempt Fury out of retirement once again.
“The reality is there’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua,” said Matchroom boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
“It’s the biggest fight in the history of British boxing and everyone will want to see it.”
Back in January, the ‘Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from boxing in a social media video, just a month after suffering the second defeat of his career in a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
The 36-year-old has also teased a potential return to the ring in recent weeks, sharing a video on social media alongside his father, John Fury, in London, saying: “Business meeting today, Dad… En route. Incoming, incoming.”
If Joshua is set to face long-time rival Fury in October, it would mark a full year since his last bout, a disappointing fifth-round knockout loss to fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua’s potential return to the ring in October may come as a surprise to some, especially after he revealed that he needed elbow surgery to address an injury before resuming his career.
It now appears that the former two-time heavyweight champion could return in what promises to be the biggest fight of both men’s careers.
Tyson Fury And Anthony Joshua Set For October Showdown
A fight that British boxing fans have been clamouring for over the past decade finally looks set to happen later this year, as two heavyweight giants prepare to face off.
Sources close to both camps have suggested that a deal is being discussed, with individual agreements for each fighter rather than a purse split, a sticking point in past negotiations.
Both men have previously expressed eagerness to face each other, with Tyson Fury stating ahead of his rematch with Usyk that the fight has to be made for the fans of British boxing.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s lost one fight or 21, he will never escape The Gypsy King,” Fury said of Joshua.
“He will always have to fight me. It doesn’t matter if he’s 49, 42, 55, or 65, we will fight. I don’t care if he never wins another fight for 20 years; we will have to fight for the fans of this country.”
Fury as expected has always maintained a high-level of confidence in his ability to get the best of AJ previously stating “I’m gonna say this, a bold quote, Joshua will be my easiest fight. Even easier than Wladimir Klitschko.”
Joshua has consistently shown interest in making one of the biggest fights in British boxing history a reality. And while he’s acknowledged that time may be running out, it now appears we may finally see the two heavyweights collide.
“I can’t wait until I’m 50 to fight Fury because I’d have had so many wars. I can’t sit around and wait; I’ve got to continue to fight.
“Of course, it has to happen, and hopefully, it does happen,” said the 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
